Beavers from the Second Brundall Scout Group spent today shaking collection buckets for Help for Heroes outside shops in the village, while adults prepared for a pamper evening which will include nail treatments and pole dancing.

Today’s events were especially important for Debs Snowling, who organised them with Georgina King, because her father Mike Snowling served with the Royal Signals, and partner Zak Thorpe is a staff sergeant in the Royal Artillery.

She said: “I’m a huge supporter of Help for Heroes because for me it’s peace of mind, because my partner has done so many tours and is all over the place, all the time. If something bad did happen to him, he would be looked after.”

She added that she had seen first-hand how the charity had helped friends of Mr Thorpe who had lost limbs during their service.

Mr Snowling said: “Once you have been in the service you are all part of the family and you support and help. That’s why I’m in the Signals Association. It’s what they call comradeship.”